Why Walden

From a kid’s first inspirations at the piano to a composer’s honed instinct, students of all kinds come to Walden (and often return) to immerse themselves in a fun summer of quality mentorship, musical exploration, and lifelong artistic community.

Every student at the Walden School has an unparalleled opportunity to exercise his or her creativity in a warm, supportive environment. Creating one’s own music in this kind of community instills self-confidence, discipline, a sense of belonging, and the pride of accomplishment: things that stay with participants regardless of where their lives take them.

On September 20th, Sasha received a text on the Walden group chat. It read: “Only 40 weeks, 00 days, 19 hours, and 22 minutes until Walden 2018 begins!” Her brain was on fire, because she did not feel so far away from the place she loves most. Sasha began her time at Walden at age 10. She remembers knowing, from her first hug by a faculty member she had just met and a roommate who welcomed her from the start, that Walden was special. She was surprised and encouraged to find that people reached out to her, wanting to discover more about her talents and her personality. She believes part of Walden’s sense of community comes from everyone learning to reach out to those around them and discover what makes them special.

“A small paradise that opens you up to a whole world.”

At 15, he already loved music, but Evan was surprised at the depth and intensity of Walden’s curriculum, finding it challenging and intense. A prevalent attitude in the classroom was the idea that he should explore what it is about music and composing that drove him to succeed as an artist. Walden faculty and peers helped him realize how important it is to develop an individual voice by putting your own humor, passions, and personality on display. He was thrilled to discover a love for Bach at Walden, as well as a love of nature through music that was completely new to him.

How a strong community can foster creative thinking and personal growth.

Francesca first came to Walden at age 9. She had attended summer camps before, but usually felt lost and found it a struggle to fit in. She immediately noticed that Walden was different. This camp emphasized not only creativity and music, but also acceptance and respect, which were just as important. Instead of feeling like she didn’t fit in, Francesca felt encouraged to open up and risk showing more of her personality and talents. She discovered that Walden faculty, even though they were professionals in their fields, collaborated with her as a musical colleague.

“I have found that my experience in each of these roles continues to shape all aspects of my life.”

What is particularly special about Walden is that it doesn’t just teach music. The people at Walden teach each other how to build and care for creative communities full of diverse perspectives. We just happen to do this through music. As a former student and current faculty member it is a privilege to be a part of this community, but it is not something that everyone gets to experience. The power of such a community is special and something worth creating in every part of our lives and sharing with the people around us. There are plenty of musical programs and organizations that want to ‘make the world a better place.’ This is, of course, a daunting challenge and something that sometimes feels intangible or even unreachable. My time at Walden, however, has shown me that, under the right circumstances and with the right people it’s not so out of reach.

“Walden experience is much more than learning the nuts and bolts of a particular set of topics.”

In addition to learning about contemporary music topics, Walden has given me the opportunity to compose for each of these retreats and have my music performed by first-class musicians. More than that, Walden gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in Music Theory and Composition at the State University of New York at New Paltz, which I just completed this past May. Aside from the Creative Musicians Retreat, Walden has also provided me opportunities to submit scores for two Composers Forums which they sponsored at New York City locations.

Nathan appreciates that although the focus and content of Walden’s programs is primarily music, what Walden really addresses is a sense of community needed by everyone.

Nathan fell in love with Walden. He never could have imagined such a wonderful environment existed for young musicians, and he wished he had attended something like Walden when he was younger. He reached Walden at a crossroads in his early career as a professional, and Walden became an influential and inspiring part of his journey as a performer. Now, 18 years after he first played at Walden, he often finds himself working with composers with whom he last worked when they were children attending Walden.

“Three days after I leave the Walden School Young Musicians Program, I start to count the days until the next summer.”

This past year was my fourth year attending the program in Dublin, New Hampshire. Walden is my home away from home. Every year at Walden, I experience new and interesting kinds of music and the education I receive is incredible. The teachers do an amazing and thorough job working with the students. They work with each student to help them become better musicians as well as better people. I take the knowledge I acquire at Walden into the rest of my year, and it makes my life better. I want to thank all the people who contribute and donate to Walden. All the things I love about my summers in Walden would not happen without you.

A message from the Executive Director, Seth Brenzel

“Summer is coming…and we hope you’ll spend part of yours with us in the beautiful Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. Beginning first in 1952 as the Junior Conservatory Camp, and now since 1972 as The Walden School, musicians have been gathering each summer in New England for creative inspiration.

What makes Walden special and what draws students back, summer after summer? Perhaps it’s the unparalleled artist and composer residencies, featuring the likes of Claire Chase, Ensemble Dal Niente, Jennifer Higdon, Christopher Theofanidis, Marcos Balter, and Mivos Quartet, among countless others? Maybe it’s the gorgeous boarding school campus setting of the Dublin School? For others, it’s the unique artistic community that so warmly blends nurturing and challenge, camaraderie and individual expression. For still others, it’s our unique approach to learning about and creating with musical materials through Walden’s Musicianship Course, first conceived of by our founder Grace Newsom Cushman? Maybe it’s the constant singing – on top of the mountain, before meals, during chorus, and before bed?

For most, it’s some combination of all of these elements. For more than 65 years, Walden has drawn 100s of creative musicians from across the globe to a unique musical community. Each summer, Walden offers two programs. The Young Musicians Program for students, ages 9-18, is a five-week musical immersion. The Creative Musicians Retreat for lifelong learners (18+) is a nine-day workshop for composers, performers, music educators, and choral singers. Walden also presents a FREE Summer Concert Series, enriching the lives of our community as well as providing musical inspiration for our program participants. This summer, we’re also inviting alumni back to join us on campus July 20-22 for what promises to be a wonderful reunion of old friends, the chance to meet new friends, and a precious opportunity to see Walden in action once again.

Thank you for visiting our website. I invite you to read, listen, watch, and learn more about what composer Joan Tower calls “one of America’s greatest hidden treasures.”

Listen to the Sounds of Walden

Nearly all Young Musicians Program students compose at least one piece during the course of the summer, and many compose two or three. Our signature Musicianship Course encourages students to use the materials they study to create improvisatory works and original compositions. At Walden, composition interacts with the input of professional performers, peers, teachers, and visiting composers-in-residence. Students discover and develop their own individual voices and creative ideas.

At the Creative Musicians Retreat, all participants may (are encouraged to) write new music for the artists-in-residence in advance of the festival. The pieces are workshopped and rehearsed during the week, and are premiered on the three Composers Forums moderated by the composer-in-residence. Each work is followed by a discussion between the composer, performers, and audience.

Listen to the Sounds of Walden

Young Musicians Program

Nearly all students compose at least one piece during the course of the summer; many compose two or three. Our signature Musicianship Course encourages students to use the materials they study to create improvisatory works and original compositions. At Walden, composition interacts with the input of professional performers, peers, teachers, and visiting composers-in-residence. Students discover and develop their own individual voices and creative ideas.

Creative Musicians Retreat

All participants may (are encouraged to) write new music for the artists-in-residence in advance of the festival. The pieces are workshopped and rehearsed during the week, and are premiered on the three Composers Forums moderated by the composer-in-residence. Each work is followed by a discussion between the composer, performers, and audience.